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Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change:
A good time to check your auiomatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed. Refer to the
Maintenance Schedule to determine when to change
your fluid. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check:
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at
a Buick,dealership Service
Department.
If
you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading on the
.
dipstick. Wait
at least
30 minutes before checking the
transmission fluid level
if you have been driving:
0 When outside temperatures are above. 90 F ‘(32 C);
0 At high speed for quite a while. I
In heavy traffic - &specially in hot weathEr.: . .
While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is
180 F to 200 *F (82 C
To check transmission fluid hot: Get the vehicle ‘warmed
up
by driving about 15 miles (24 krn) when outside
temperatures are above
50 F (1 0 C). If it’s colder than
50 F ( 10 C), drive the vehicle in “D” (3rd Gear) until
the engine temperature gage moves and then remains
steady for ten minutes. Then follow the hot check
procedures.
To check transmission fluid cold: A cold check is made
after the vehicle has been sitting for
8 hours or more
with the engine
off and is used only as a reference. Let
the engine run at idle for
5 minutes if outside
temperatures are
50 F (10 C) or more. If ‘it’s colder
than
50 OF (10 * C), you may have to idle the engine
longer.
A hot check must €0110~ when fluid is added
during
a cold check.
..
to 93 C).
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Page 258 of 340

How to Add Fluid:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of transmission fluid to use. See “Recommended
Fluids and.lLubricants” in the Index.
If the fluid level is low, add only enough of the proper
fluid to bring the level up to the COLD area for a cold
check or the
HOT area fora hot check. It doesn’t take
much fluid, generally less than a pint. Don’t overfill.
we
recommend you use only fluid labeled DEXRONBIIE,
because fluids with that label are made-especially for
you automatic transmission. Damage caused by fluid
other than DEXRON@IIE
is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.
0 After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as
described under “How to Check.77
0 When the correct-fluid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
Rear Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Periodic Maintenance Inspections” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant:
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom
of the filler plug hole.
What
to Use:
Standard Differential
Use Axle Lubricant (GM Part
No. 1052271) or SAE
80W-90 GL-5 gear lubricant.
Limited-Slip Differential
To add lubricant when the level is low, use Axle
Lubricant (GM Part
No. 1052271) or SAE 8OW-90
GL-5 gear lubricant.
To completely refill after draining,
add
4 ounces (1 18 ml) of Limited-Slip Differential
Lubricant Additive (GM Part
No. 1052358). Then fill to
the bottom of the filler plug hole with Axle Lubricant
(GM Part
No. 1052271) or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear
lubricant.
Page 309 of 340

7.
8.
To help ensure-proper operation, we recommena a
pressure test of both’the cooling system and the
pressure cap. If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (1 60 000 km).
Front Wheel Bearing Repack - When your 9. Spark Plug Replacement* - Replace spark plugs
vehicle is used in such service as police work, as a with the proper type. See “Specifications Chart.’’ in
taxi or
in door-to-door delivery, clean and repackthe the Index.
front wheel bearings at each brake relining or
15,000 Spark plug Wire Inspection*? - Inspect for
miles (25 000 km), whichever comes first. If you
don’t use your vehicle in such service, clean
and
repack the bearings at each brake relining or 30,000 -
miles (50 000 km) whichever comes first. burns, cracks .or other damage. Check the boot fit
at
the distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires
as. needed.
Transmission Service - Change both the fluid and
filter every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle
is mainly driven under one or ‘more
of these
conditions:
In heayy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
‘90 OF (32 C) or
higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service.
11. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System
Inspection*?
- Conduct the EGR system service
as described in the service manual.
To purchase a
service manual, see “Service Publications” in the
Index.
12. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* - Replace every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or more ofkn under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper
replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
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